Designers Victoria Hagan and Antony Todd ponder the possibilities of the original home office furniture

Graham Desk and Hutch by Pottery Barn

Graham Desk and Hutch by Pottery Barn

"This is one of my favorites," Antony Todd says. "The desktop is huge, but the overall scale isn't overwhelming. And you can style it with colorful books and objects." Use it in a kitchen, an entrance hall, or in a dressing room with shirts above and cuff links and ties in the drawers, he suggests. "It's very versatile."

Hallings Secretary by Thomas O'Brien for Hickory Chair Co.

Hallings Secretary by Thomas O'Brien for Hickory Chair Co.

"Great strong lines," Victoria Hagan says of this slanting beauty whose hinged flat top opens to a hidden compartment. "It's a fresh play on a traditional form but with the surprise of the dark interior when you pull the panel down." She also likes the lean silhouette: "It's tall but skinny, so it doesn't take up much space."